Following some of Orlando's poorest residents, Sean Baker's The Florida Project will make people laugh in one moment, then give them heartache in the next. The unique story offers viewers a moving, intelligent look at the juxtaposition of rich Disney World fantasies and Florida's hidden homeless population.
The film feels at times as though it isn't even a film, but instead a live look at the adversity some children are experiencing who didn't grow up with nurturing, stable families. Certain pieces of dialogue specifically stand out, showing us the beauty of finding joy amidst a life of poverty.
Bobby
"You Come On This Property Again And You Won't Be Leaving It. You Understand?"
Bobby (Willem Dafoe) is an essential character in this film, and there's perhaps no better scene that demonstrates this than when he scares off a pedophile approaching the hotel resident children.
Throwing his soda on the ground and grabbing his wallet, Bobby vows to report the man to the county sheriff and warns him to never come back again. It's certainly a harrowing moment, but the beauty of it lies in Bobby's determination to protect the kids at all costs.
When Halley Worries About Money
"Pepperoni Costs Money."
This may not be an overly profound or deep statement, but the truth behind it speaks volumes. When Moonee (Brooklynn Prince) and Halley (Bria Vinaite) are having a chill night in, eating pizza and watching television in their Florida motel room, Moonee complains because she wants pepperoni on the pizza. That's when Halley tells Moonee this line in a melancholy tone.
This piece of dialogue demonstrates not only how poor they are, but how conscious of this Halley has to be, as the adult. Instead of ordering a pizza and adding whatever toppings suit their fancy, they have to get the cheapest and most basic option, even when it comes to something as simple as pizza.
When Bobby Lays Down The Law
"I Warned Ya, One Drip, And You're Out."
Though he may not always be the warm and fuzziest person, Bobby is a textbook example of someone who shows he cares through tough love. When the kids act out, Bobby reprimands them as any good guardian should, while still showing them love and care.
At this moment, Bobby lets the kids eat ice cream inside the hotel lobby, and the moment they get any ice cream on the ground, they have to go outside. It's a sweet moment between characters who care about each other but show it in a unique way.
When Moonee Takes Everyone On An Adventure
"See? I Took You On A Safari."
A touching aspect of The Florida Project comes from its ability to show viewers how to appreciate life's simple pleasures, even when the world seems to be falling apart. This moment in the film does just that.
Moonee takes Jancey, one of her two friends played by Valeria Cotto, for a short adventure into some random field, then proceeds to tell her that they went on a safari. Obviously, it's no safari. But the two kids have this extraordinary ability to make the most out of their less-than-ideal economic situation, and that's exactly what they do here. It's a lesson fans can all learn from.
When Bobby Gives Halley A Hard Time
"You Got Your Rent. Let Me Count It, Get Outta Here."
In a rare moment, Halley and Bobby laugh with each other after getting into an argument over Halley's weekly rent. She feels embarrassed and annoyed that Bobby counts her rent in front of her, believing it means he doesn't trust her to pay the right amount.
What's beautiful about this moment in A24's The Florida Project is that viewers think the argument could turn ugly, but it doesn't. Instead, the two share a laugh over the situation, realizing that they're both being a bit ridiculous. If anything, this moment in the film appears as though it may have been a blooper, but it works so perfectly that it was included in the final cut.
When Moonee Jokes About Her Mom
'Yeah, Mom, You're A Disgrace."
Normally, telling someone that they're a disgrace would be quite the insult. However, when Moonee jokingly and innocently calls her mom a disgrace, it's quite endearing.
Halley gets in trouble with Bobby for not watching and disciplining her kids, and then proceeds to joke that she has "failed as a mother." Instead of saying something positive and affirming towards her mom, Moonee plays along with the joke, calling Halley a "disgrace." What this shows is that Moonee accepts her mom and loves her for who she is, despite the fact that she is not always the best example of a nurturing mother.
When Scooty Gets Ice Cream
"The Doctor Said We Have Asthma And We Gotta Eat Ice Cream Right Away."
This is another mischievous moment for the kids in The Florida Project. Scooty (Christopher Rivera), Moonee's friend, tries to convince a well-off woman that the friends need ice cream to stay healthy.
It's pretty obvious that the woman doesn't believe them, but recognizing the deeper truth of what's going on, she gives them a few bucks to enjoy some ice cream. This is another quote that doesn't really have any profound meaning, but once again demonstrates the children's innocence. At the end of the day, all they want is some free ice cream.
Moonee Rebels
"These Are The Rooms We're Not Supposed To Go In. But Let's Go Anyway!"
Moonee is perhaps the most disobedient of the three main young characters and this quote seems to that argument. Even though her life is anything but perfect, Moonee just wants to have a little fun.
She doesn't care so much for rules or adults telling her what to do. Instead, she recognizes the simple pleasures in life, and enthusiastically makes it her mission to enjoy them.
When Moonee Talks About Adults
"I Can Always Tell When Adults Are About To Cry."
This quote made by Moonee reveals just how intelligent the seven-year-old really is. Most children are not forced to see the adults they look up to break down under the pressure of a difficult reality. But Moonee is.
Normally, Moonee is just an innocent yet troublemaking child, but at this moment, the audience sees her true depth come to the surface. Moonee has seen worse than many adults have who live cushier lives, and these experiences will shape her for years to come.
When Moonee Loses Her Friend
"Please, You're My Best Friend, And This May Be The Only Time I'll Get To See You Again."
In an utterly heartbreaking final few minutes, Moonee is forced to watch the Department of Children and Families take Halley away. However, before they can get a handle on Moonee, she escapes to her friend Jancey's house. In some of the most real and raw acting performed by a seven-year-old, Moonee breaks down crying. She then tells Jancey that she is her best friend and that it may be the last time she'll ever get to see her.
What follows at the end of is a beautiful and highly original ending to a film that will be ed for many, many years.
